Born May 25, 1932 in Vancouver, BC to parents Rinzo and Tsune Nakahara, passed away suddenly October 2, 2015 in Duncan, BC. Predeceased by his brothers Yoshimoto, Hiroki and Genshiro, Kats is survived by his sister Noriko and brother Kiochi (Margaret), his wife Dottie, children Terrie (Ed), Michael (Kim), Megan (Warren), Naomi (Jim) and Chelsea, grandchildren Lisa, Eve, Gen, Ayako, Joshua, Matthew, James, Jordan, Mike, Jessica, great-grandchildren Cedar, Ava, Ben, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their always-expanding, inclusive family.
Growing up in the Kootenays he made many life-long friends and this is where his love of sports began; baseball, softball, hockey, curling, golf, hunting, fishing, slow-pitch, swimming, diving, card games, marbles, yo-yo, sling shot, you name it – he was a natural athlete and sportsman. He shared, supported and nurtured his love of sports through coaching, organizing and refereeing local youth and community teams. He spent several years as a Cub Scout Leader sharing his knowledge and love of the outdoors with friends, fathers and sons. Playing with the Parksville Panters fulfilled a boyhood dream of playing on a real hockey team; going on road trips, getting that coveted hat-trick and bringing home the hardware.
While raising his family in Chemainus and Ladysmith, Kats worked at local sawmills in Youbou, Chemainus, Nanaimo and Ladysmith, where he also volunteered with the Ambulance crews. He later transferred to the Ladysmith Fire Department and served with them for 20 years, watching proudly as his grandson followed his example and is serving the community he calls home.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the ambulance attendants, the emergency staff at the Cowichan District Hospital and the many family, friends and neighbours who have shared such kind and compassionate care to all of us.
A service will be held, 11 am on Saturday October 17th at Telford’s Burial & Cremation Centre, 112 French St, Ladysmith followed by a Celebration of Life Tea at 1pm at the Eagles Hall, 921 1st Avenue, Ladysmith. In lieu of cards and flowers please consider donations in his honour c/o Terrie Nakahara 3-540 Nelson St, Victoria BC V9A 6P6.
Online condolences may be offered at www.telfordsladysmith.com
Being a man of few words, he was very proud of his family and was always there with a smile and shrug for all.
There are some things we never outgrow . . . Love is one of them.
We’ll always Love you, Dad.